For academia, Google Drive is one of the most versatile and useful apps that exists! It can be used as a word processor, a spreadsheet creator, a collaboration tool, and a cloud storage app. Each of the these uses deserves its own explaination:
Word processor and Excel Spreadsheet: What makes Google Drive so great is that it is FREE! Students or schools no longer have to invest hundreds or even thousands of dollars on word processor and spreadsheet programs like Microsoft office. Both the word processor on Google Drive and the spreadsheet program have more than adequate capabilities to replace expensive programs like MS Office. Most of the major fonts and formatting options that students would need to complete papers or assignments are available on Google Docs. The spreadsheet program offers most features of MS Excel. Students can use the word processor to take notes, write papers or work on group projects. The spreadsheet can be used to track data, create a budget, or complete math assignments. What’s great about the Google Drive app is that the word processor and spreadsheet are available which means students no longer need a laptop or desktop to create and edit documents.
Collaboration tool: One of my favorite aspects of Google Drive is its ability to share documents or spreadsheets with others. With the click of a button, five students can have access to the same document or spreadsheet and all have the ability to update it in real-time! What’s unique about the Google Drive Mobile App is that students can bring their learning to authentic learning environments. For example, if five students are required to write a group paper on an experience at the State Capitol Building, they could go to the Capitol building and separate out and write down their experience on the mobile app. By doing this, everyone can see instantly if the information flows well and is up to the groups standards. With the spreadsheet, a group of students assigned to collect data can break up and do so at different times and different locations but all be able to see the data as it comes in real-time.
Cloud Storage: Many students struggle with organization, but with the Google Drive app, students can keep all their notes, papers, photos, spreadsheets or any other files in one mobile centralized location. Google Drive storage allows for easy organization by allowing students to organize their files in folders. Another benefit of Cloud is that students can access their files on anywhere and at anytime on any device that has internet access. For example, if students are taking notes on their mobile device in class, they can access it at home on their desktop or laptop computer to study later. Students no longer have to keep track of where things are stored and on what device. Since students can access these files on the go with the Mobile app, students can study their notes anywhere and at anytime; on the bus ride home, at the doctors office or in between classes.
Benefits of App
Access to files, documents and spreadsheets anywhere and at anytime.
Increased organization for students by centralizing notes and assignments in one location.
Enhanced collaboration opportunities for students using the “share” option with Google Docs.
Compatibility with any type of internet capable device and any operating system.
FREE word processor and spreadsheet creator
Facilitates learning in authentic learning environments by allowing students to take a spreadsheet and document mobile with their device to real-world locations.
Constraints of App
The mobile app only allows the creation of a doc or spreadsheet, while if Google Drive is accessed on a regular web-browser an individual can create a powerpoint presentation, a drawing, a calculator, or a question and answer form.
Typing is much slower and more difficult on a mobile device. If students are to create a document on their mobile device through the app, they would need to be able to plug in a keyboard to create something with a significant amount of typing.
If internet access is not available, then students would not be able to access their files. This means that before the use of the Google Drive app in the classroom, teachers would have to assess student internet access.
Certain media files may be unavailable to view on the Google Drive app that would be available on a Desktop or Laptop, such as video files, audio files, certain PDF files, etc.
How To Use App
Create a Free Google account or sign in
Once signed in, all files and folders under that account will appear
To access a file, simply tap on the desired file and it will open
To create a new document or spreadsheet, simply press “Create” at the bottom of the screen. It will then ask what type of document you would like to create.
To upload a file, such as a picture, video or pdf, simply click upload and navigate to the desired file on your phone and tap it.
To share a document with others, click on “i” button located on the far right side of the document. Then, click the “Add people” button and type in the Gmail addresses of the individuals with whom you would like to share your document or spreadsheet.
To access documents that others have shared with you, click on the Google Drive icon and tap the “Shared with me” button.
To access a document while offline, click the “i” button located on the far right side of the document link. You will see an option that says “Keep on this device”. Turn that option on. To access files that have been pinned to your device, click the Google Drive icon in the left hand corner and select “On device”.
Artifact of App
IDEAS for App - Student USE: Teacher USE or OTHER USE:
Student use:
Take notes is class
Collaborate with other students on group projects
Use as word processor
Use as a spreadsheet editor/creator
Use for cloud storage for files and organization
Teacher Use:
Share documents with students
Collaborate with students
Use as a method for having students turn in their work
Monitor student's progress on projects and papers in real time
Google Drive:
Description of App:
For academia, Google Drive is one of the most versatile and useful apps that exists! It can be used as a word processor, a spreadsheet creator, a collaboration tool, and a cloud storage app. Each of the these uses deserves its own explaination:
Word processor and Excel Spreadsheet: What makes Google Drive so great is that it is FREE! Students or schools no longer have to invest hundreds or even thousands of dollars on word processor and spreadsheet programs like Microsoft office. Both the word processor on Google Drive and the spreadsheet program have more than adequate capabilities to replace expensive programs like MS Office. Most of the major fonts and formatting options that students would need to complete papers or assignments are available on Google Docs. The spreadsheet program offers most features of MS Excel. Students can use the word processor to take notes, write papers or work on group projects. The spreadsheet can be used to track data, create a budget, or complete math assignments. What’s great about the Google Drive app is that the word processor and spreadsheet are available which means students no longer need a laptop or desktop to create and edit documents.
Collaboration tool: One of my favorite aspects of Google Drive is its ability to share documents or spreadsheets with others. With the click of a button, five students can have access to the same document or spreadsheet and all have the ability to update it in real-time! What’s unique about the Google Drive Mobile App is that students can bring their learning to authentic learning environments. For example, if five students are required to write a group paper on an experience at the State Capitol Building, they could go to the Capitol building and separate out and write down their experience on the mobile app. By doing this, everyone can see instantly if the information flows well and is up to the groups standards. With the spreadsheet, a group of students assigned to collect data can break up and do so at different times and different locations but all be able to see the data as it comes in real-time.
Cloud Storage: Many students struggle with organization, but with the Google Drive app, students can keep all their notes, papers, photos, spreadsheets or any other files in one mobile centralized location. Google Drive storage allows for easy organization by allowing students to organize their files in folders. Another benefit of Cloud is that students can access their files on anywhere and at anytime on any device that has internet access. For example, if students are taking notes on their mobile device in class, they can access it at home on their desktop or laptop computer to study later. Students no longer have to keep track of where things are stored and on what device. Since students can access these files on the go with the Mobile app, students can study their notes anywhere and at anytime; on the bus ride home, at the doctors office or in between classes.
Benefits of App
Constraints of App
How To Use App
Artifact of App
IDEAS for App - Student USE: Teacher USE or OTHER USE:
Student use:
Teacher Use: